RYOBI P20101BTL Attachment Capable String Trimmer User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- RYOBI
Table of Contents
RYOBI P20101BTL Attachment Capable String Trimmer
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
Installation
- A Switch trigger
- B – Knob
- C – Coupler
- D – Rear handle
- E – Front handle
- F – Trigger lock-out
- G – Speed switch
- A – Button
- B – Guide recess
- C – Coupler
- D – Power head shaft
- E – Knob
- F – Positioning hole
- G – Attachment shaft
- A – Front handle
- B – Bolt
- C – Wing nut
- D – Bracket
- A – Battery pack
- B – Latch
- A – Speed switch
- B – Switch trigger
- C – Trigger lock-out
- A – Switch trigger
- B – Trigger lock-out
- C – Slot
TYPICAL OPERATING POSITION FOR ATTACHMENTS USED BELOW THE WAIST. SEE YOUR
ATTACHMENT OPERATOR’S MANUAL FOR DETAILS SPECIFIC TO YOUR ATTACHMENT.
TYPICAL OPERATING POSITION FOR ATTACHMENTS USED ABOVE THE WAIST. SEE YOUR
ATTACHMENT OPERATOR’S MANUAL FOR DETAILS SPECIFIC TO YOUR ATTACHMENT.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
- For safe operation, read and understand all instructions before using this product. Follow all safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can result in serious personal injury.
- Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this unit.
- Check the work area before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which can be thrown or become entangled in any part of the tool.
- Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
- Use Safety Glasses – Always use face or dust mask if operation is dusty.
- Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the op-eration is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
- Dress Properly – Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, sandals or similar lightweight footwear, jewelry of any kind, or go barefoot. Use of footwear and gloves with electrical protection is recommended. Footwear should protect feet and improve footing on slippery surfaces.
- Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entangle-ment in moving parts.
- Keep children away – Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft. away.
- Stay alert – Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medi-cation.
- Do not operate in poor lighting.
- Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
- Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
- Do not modify or attempt to repair the appliance or the battery pack (as applicable) except as indicated in the instructions for use and care.
- Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
- Avoid Dangerous Environments – Don’t expose appliance to rain or wet conditions. Water entering an appliance will increase the risk of electric shock.
- Use Right Appliance – Do not use appliance for any job except that for which it is intended. Use the correct tool for your application.
- Don’t Force Appliance – It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.
- Do not overreach – Keep firm footing and balance. Over-reaching can result in loss of balance.
- Avoid accidental starting – Be sure switch trigger is in the locked or off position before inserting battery pack. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch trigger or inserting the battery pack into a tool with the switch on invites accidents.
- Do not use tool if switch trigger does not turn it on or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch trigger is dangerous and must be repaired.
- Disconnect power head – Disconnect battery pack from the appliance before storing, servicing, or changing ac-cessories such as cutting line. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
- Use only identical manufacturer’s replacement parts and accessories. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.
- Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufac-turer’s recommended attachments.
- Maintain appliance with care – Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. Be sure the string head is properly installed and securely fastened. Failure to do so can cause serious injury. Follow instruc-tions for lubrication and changing accessories. Inspect charger cord periodically and, if damaged, have it re-placed. Keep power head handles dry, clean, and free from grease and oil.
- Check Damaged Parts – Before further use of the appli-ance, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mount-ing and any other condition that may effect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center un-less indicated elsewhere in this manual.
- Keep hands and feet away from cutting area.
- Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors and handles are properly and securely attached.
- Use only the manufacturer’s replacement string in the cutting head when using a string trimmer attachment. Do not use any other cutting attachment, for example, metal wire, rope, or the like. To install any other brand of cutting head to the string trimmer attachment can result in serious personal injury.
- Never operate unit without the grass deflector in place and in good condition.
- Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming. Keep string head below waist level. Never cut with the string head located over 30 in. or more above the ground.
- Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the switch is off when clearing jammed material. Saw chain continues to move after the switch is turned off. A moment of inattention while operating the extended-reach pruner may result in serious personal injury.
- Carry the extended-reach pruner by the handle with the saw chain stopped. When transporting or storing the extended-reach pruner, always fit the saw chain device cover. Proper handling of the extended-reach pruner will reduce possible personal injury from the saw chain.
- Store idle appliances indoors – When not in use, power head and attachments should be stored indoors in a dry, locked place out of the reach of children.
- Never use flailing devices, wire or rope on any attachment.
- Keep the air vents clean and free of debris to avoid over-heating the motor. Clean after each use.
- Stop the unit and disconnect the power source when not in use. Carry the unit with the motor stopped.
- Stop the motor, wait until all moving parts come to a com-plete stop, and remove the battery pack before cleaning or performing any maintenance.
- Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your product and do not expose the product to rain or wet conditions. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids, water, and chemicals can enter the product’s electronic components and/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, which can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious personal injury. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris by wiping the product clean with a dry cloth occasionally.
- Store out of the reach of children.
- Do not hang unit so that the switch trigger is depressed.
- Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your bat-tery tool or when changing accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
- Do not use battery-operated appliance in rain.
- Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the appliance.
- Keep hands away from blades.
- Do not allow power head to be used as a toy. Close at-tention is necessary when used by or near children.
- Do not handle charger, including charger plug, and char-ger terminals with wet hands.
- Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
- Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, or use in areas where they may be present.
- Remove or disconnect battery before servicing, cleaning or removing material from the gardening appliance.
- Use this product only with batteries and chargers listed in tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation supple-ment 988000-842.
- Do not dispose of the batteries in a fire. The cell may explode. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.
- Do not open or mutilate the batteries. Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.
- Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire or heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and possibly injury.
- Batteries can explode in the presence of a source of ig-nition, such as a pilot light. To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, never use any cordless product in the presence of open flame. An exploded battery can propel debris and chemicals. If exposed, flush with water im-mediately.
- Do not crush, drop or damage battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has been dropped or received a sharp blow. A damaged battery is subject to explosion. Properly dispose of a dropped or damaged battery immediately.
- Exercise care in handling batteries in order not to short the battery with conducting materials such as rings, bracelets, and keys. The battery or conductor may overheat and cause burns.
- Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
- Under extreme usage or temperature conditions, battery leakage may occur. If liquid comes in contact with your skin, wash immediately with soap and water, then neu-tralize with lemon juice or vinegar. If liquid gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
- Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this power tool. If you loan someone this power tool, loan them these instructions also.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES CAN BE FOUND IN THE APPLICABLE ATTACHMENT’S OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SYMBOLS
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates information considered
important, but not related to a potential injury (e.g. messages relating to
property damage).
Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper in-terpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.
NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
- Safety Alert Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
- Read Operator’s Manual To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator’s manual before using this product.
- Eye Protection Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
- Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose battery, battery compartment, or electronic components to rain, water, or liquids. Do not charge battery or expose product to rain or damp locations.
- Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 50 ft. away.
- Ricochet Thrown objects can ricochet and result in personal injury or property damage.
- No Blade Do not install or use any type of blade on a product displaying this symbol.
- Recycle Symbol This product uses lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Local, state, or federal laws may prohibit disposal of batteries in ordinary trash. Consult your local waste authority for information regarding available recycling and/or disposal options.
- Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current
- No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
- Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
- Volts Voltage
- Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
- Minutes Time
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR POWER HEAD
See Figure 1.
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the information on
the tool and in this operator’s manual as well as a knowledge of the project
you are attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself with all
operating features and safety rules.
HANDLE OVERMOLD
Handle overmold provides added user comfort.
SPEED SWITCH
This tool has a speed selector that allows the operator to choose between and
HI and LOW speeds. Using low speed during operation can help extend battery
run time, while using high speed will improve power and performance.
TRIGGER LOCK-OUT
The trigger lock-out prevents accidental starting.
VARIABLE SPEED SWITCH TRIGGER
This tool has a variable speed switch that delivers higher speed with
increased trigger pressure. Speed is controlled by the amount of switch
trigger depression.
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.
- Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the Packing List are included.
WARNING:
Do not use this product if any parts on the Packing List are already assembled to your product when you unpack it. Parts on this list are not assembled to the product by the manufacturer and require customer installation. Use of a product that may have been improperly assembled could result in serious personal injury.
- Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
- Do not discard the packing material until you have care-fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.
- If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1- 800-860-4050 for assistance.
PACKING LIST
- Power Head
- Front Handle
- Operator’s Manual
WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this product or create acces-sories not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.
WARNING:
To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the product when assembling parts.
INSTALLING AN ATTACHMENT TO THE POWER HEAD
WARNING:
Read and understand entire Operator’s Manual for each optional attachment used on this power head and follow all warnings and instructions. Failure to follow all instruc-tions could result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
WARNING:
This 18 V power head is designed to be used only with the attachment models that are specified in this Operator’s Manual. It is not designed to be used with brush cutters or other attachment models. Use of other attachments could cause serious personal injuries or property damage.
WARNING:
Never install, remove, or adjust any attachment while power head is running. Failure to stop the motor can cause serious personal injury. Never operate power head without an attachment.
This 18 V power head may be used with only the following RYOBI EXPAND-IT attachments:
- RY15518, RYEDG11, and RYEDG12 Edgers
- RYAXA22 Blower
- RY15523, RY15523A, RY15526, and RY15527 Straight Shaft String Trimmers
- RY15550 and RYTIL66 Cultivators
- RY15520 and RYPRN33 Pruners
- RYSNW00 Snow Thrower
- RYSWP25 Sweeper
The attachment connects to the power head by means of a coupler device.
- Stop the motor and remove the battery pack.
- Loosen the knob on the coupler of the power head shaft and remove the end cap from the attachment.
- Push in the button located on the attachment shaft. Align the button with the guide recess on the power head coupler and slide the two shafts together. Rotate the at-tachment shaft until the button locks into the positioning hole.
NOTE: If the button does not release completely in the positioning hole,
the shafts are not locked into place.
Slightly rotate from side to side until the button is locked into place.
- Tighten the knob securely.
WARNING:
Be certain the knob is fully tightened before operating equipment; check it periodically for tightness during use to avoid serious personal injury.
REMOVING THE ATTACHMENT FROM THE POWER HEAD
- Stop the motor and remove the battery pack.
- Loosen the knob.
- Push in the button and twist the shafts to remove and separate ends.
ATTACHING THE FRONT HANDLE
-
Remove wing nut and bolt from the front handle.
-
Install the front handle onto the top side of the drive shaft housing in the area indicated by the label.
-
Place the bolt through the front handle.
NOTE: The hex bolt head fits inside the hex recess molded into one side of the handle. -
Reinstall the wing nut.
-
Tighten wing nut securely.
OPERATION
WARNING:
Read and understand entire Operator’s Manual for each optional attachment used on this power head and follow all warnings and instructions. Failure to follow all instruc-tions could result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with products to make you care-less. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.
WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Hearing and/or head protection may also be required depending on the type of attach-ment used and as prescribed in the attachment’s Opera-tor’s Manual. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.
WARNING:
Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.
NOTICE:
Before each use, inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose
parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners
and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts
are replaced. Please contact customer service or an authorized service center
for assistance.
INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERY PACK
WARNING:
Always remove battery pack from your tool when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use. Removing battery pack will prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury.
To install battery pack:
- Insert the battery pack into the product as shown.
WARNING:
Make sure the latches on the battery pack snap in place and the battery pack is fully seated and secure in the bat-tery port before beginning operation. Failure to securely seat the battery pack could cause the battery pack to fall out, resulting in serious personal injury.
To remove battery pack:
- Depress the latches on each side of the battery pack.
- Remove battery pack from the power head.
For complete charging instructions, refer to the Operator’s Manuals for your RYOBI battery pack and charger models.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the bat-tery pack and keep hands clear of the trigger lock-out when carrying or transporting the tool.
STARTING/STOPPING THE POWER HEAD
To start:
-
Select the desired operating speed (HI or LOW).
-
Move the lock-out into the slot in the switch trigger.
-
Depress the switch trigger.
To stop: -
Release the switch trigger to stop the power head.
-
Remove the lock-out from the slot in the switch trigger and place it in the locked position.
OPERATING THE POWER HEAD
Hold the power head with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand
on the front handle. Keep a firm grip with both hands while in operation.
Power head should be held at a comfortable position with the rear handle about
hip height.
NOTE: The most common operating positions are shown in the figures
referenced. For the operating position for your specific attachment, always
refer to the operator’s manual that came with the attachment.
Always operate power head with switch trigger completely depressed. If debris
becomes wrapped around the attach-ment, STOP THE MOTOR, remove the battery
pack, and remove the debris.
WARNING:
Always hold the power head away from the body keeping clearance between the body and the tool. Any contact with an attachment cutting head can result in burns and/or other serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Extreme care must be taken when using a blade attach-ment to ensure safe operation. Read the safety informa-tion for safe operation when using a blade attachment and refer to the safety rules and instructions in your at-tachment manual. Never use a brush cutter attachment with this power head. Improper operation of a blade or any attachment could result in serious injury.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the bat-tery pack from the tool when cleaning or performing any maintenance.
WARNING:
Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Hearing and/or head protection may also be required depending on the type of attach-ment used and as prescribed in the attachment’s Operator’s Manual. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.
WARNING:
Never use water or any liquids to clean or rinse off your product and do not expose the product to rain or wet conditions. Store indoors in a dry area. Corrosive liquids, water, and chemicals can enter the product’s electronic components and/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, which can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious personal injury. Remove any buildup of dirt and debris by wiping the product clean with a dry cloth oc-casionally.
WARNING:
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts can create a hazard or cause product damage.
NOTICE:
Periodically inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts
such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and
caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are
replaced. Please contact customer service or an authorized service center for
assistance.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are
susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be
damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which can result in serious personal injury.
CLEANING THE POWER HEAD
- Stop the motor and remove the battery pack.
- Clean dirt and debris from the power head using a damp cloth with a mild detergent.
NOTICE:
Do not use any strong detergents on the plastic housing or the handle. They
can be damaged by certain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and by
solvents such as kerosene.
STORING THE POWER HEAD
- Remove the battery pack from the power head before storing.
- Clean all foreign material from the power head.
- Store it in a place that is inaccessible to children.
- Keep away from corrosive agents such as garden chemi-cals and de-icing salts.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Motor fails to start when switch trigger is depressed. Battery is not secure.
Battery is not charged.
To secure the battery pack, make sure the latch on the bottom of the battery
pack is snapped into place.
Charge the battery pack according to the instructions included with your
model.
This product has a Three-year Limited Warranty for personal, family, or
household use (90 days for business or commercial use).
For warranty details, visit www.ryobitools.com or
call (toll free) 1-800-860-4050.
- PARTS AND SERVICE: Prior to requesting service or purchasing replacement parts, please obtain your item, manufacturing, and serial numbers from the product data plate.
ITEM NO.*___MANUFACTURING NO.__
SERIAL NO.____ - Model/item number on product may have additional letters at the end. These letters designate manufacturing information and should be provided when calling for service.
HOW TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT PARTS: Replacement parts can be purchased online at www.ryobitools.com or by calling 1-800-525-2579. Replacement parts can also be obtained at one of our service centers.
HOW TO LOCATE A SERVICE CENTER: Service centers can be located online at www.ryobitools.com or by calling 1-800-525-2579.
HOW TO OBTAIN CUSTOMER OR TECHNICAL SUPPORT: To obtain customer or technical support please contact us at 1-800-525-2579.
P.O. Box 1288, Anderson, SC 29622 USA
1-800-525-2579 •
www.ryobitools.com